Title X — Research and Development

118th Congress · Approved May 16, 2024 · 138 Stat. 1025

TITLE X Research and Development

Subtitle A General Provisions

SEC. 1001. Definitions.

In this title:

(1)

Covered committees of congress.— The term “covered committees of Congress” means the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

(2)

NASA.— The term “NASA” means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

SEC. 1002. Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization of Appropriations.

Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (15) by striking “ ; and” and inserting a semicolon; and

(2)

by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following:

“(16) $280,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

“(17) $311,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

“(18) $323,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

“(19) $334,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and

“(20) $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.”

SEC. 1003. Report on Implementation; Funding for Safety Research and Development.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the allocation of funding pursuant to section 48102 of title 49, United States Code, to the Secretary to conduct civil aviation research and development and to assess the implementation of section 48102(b)(2) of such title.

SEC. 1004. National Aviation Research Plan Modification.

(a)

Modification of Submission Deadline.— Section 44501(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by striking “ the date of submission” and inserting “ the date that is 30 days after the date of submission”; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following “ If such report cannot be prepared and submitted by the date that is 30 days after the date of submission of the President’s budget to Congress, the Administrator shall submit, before such date, a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee of Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives stating the reason for delayed submission, impacts of the delay, and actions taken to address circumstances that led to the delay.”.

(b)

Conforming Amendment.— Section 48102(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “ the date of submission” and inserting “ the date that is 30 days after the date of submission”.

SEC. 1005. Advanced Materials Center of Excellence Enhancements.

Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

“(a) In General.—

“(1) Continued operations.—The Administrator shall—

“(A) continue operation of the Advanced Materials Center of Excellence (referred to in this section as the ‘Center’); and

“(B) make a determination on whether to award a grant to the Center not later than 90 days after the date on which the grants officer of the Federal Aviation Administration recommends a proposal for award of such grant to the Administrator.

“(2) Purposes.—The Center shall—

“(A) focus on applied research and training on the safe use of composites and advanced materials, and related manufacturing practices, in airframe structures; and

“(B) conduct research and development into aircraft structure crash worthiness and passenger safety, as well as address safe and accessible air travel of individuals with a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)), including materials required to facilitate safe wheelchair restraint systems on commercial aircraft.”

; and

(2)

by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

“(b) Responsibilities.—The Center shall—

“(1) promote and facilitate collaboration among member universities, academia, the Administration, the commercial aircraft industry, including manufacturers, commercial air carriers, and suppliers, and other appropriate stakeholders for the purposes under subsection (a) and the activities described in paragraphs (2) through (4);

“(2) carry out research and development activities to advance technology, improve engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education in relevant areas of study, which shall include—

“(A) all structural materials, including—

“(i) metallic and non-metallic based additive materials, ceramic materials, carbon fiber polymers, and thermoplastic composites;

“(ii) the long-term material and structural behavior of such materials; and

“(iii) evaluating the resiliency and long-term durability of advanced materials in high temperature conditions and in engines for applications in advanced aircraft; and

“(B) structural technologies, such as additive manufacturing, to be used in applications within the commercial aircraft industry, including traditional fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and emerging aircraft types such as advanced air mobility aircraft; and

“(3) conduct research activities for the purpose of improving the safety and certification of aviation structures, materials, and additively manufactured aviation products and components; and

“(4) conducting research activities to advance the safe movement of all passengers, including individuals with a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)), and individuals using personal wheelchairs in flight, that takes into account the modeling, engineering, testing, operating, and training issues significant to all passengers and relevant stakeholders.”

SEC. 1006. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

(a)

In General.— Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“§ 44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

“(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred to in this section as the ‘Center’).

“(b) Responsibilities.—The Center shall carry out the following responsibilities:

“(1) Conduct applied research and training on the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national airspace system.

“(2) Promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal agency partners, and industry stakeholders (including manufacturers, operators, service providers, standards development organizations, carriers, and suppliers), with respect to the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national airspace system.

“(3) Establish goals set to advance technology, improve engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education with respect to the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national airspace system.

“(c) Program Participation.—The Administrator shall ensure the participation in the Center of institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and research institutions that provide accredited bachelor’s degree programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to commercial pilot certifications and that include a focus on pilot training for women aviators.

“(d) Leveraging of Certain Capacity and Capabilities.—The Administrator shall, in carrying out research necessary to validate consensus safety standards accepted pursuant to section 44805, to the maximum extent practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity and capabilities of—

“(1) the Center;

“(2) the test ranges designated under section 44803;

“(3) existing Federal and non-Federal test ranges and testbeds;

“(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and

“(5) the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”.

SEC. 1007. Assured Safe Credentialing Authority.

(a)

In General.— Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“§ 44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority

“(a) In General.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a credentialing authority for the program of record of the Federal Aviation Administration (referred to in this section as ‘ASSUREd Safe’) under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

“(b) Purposes.—ASSUREd Safe shall offer services throughout the United States, and to allies and partners of the United States, including—

“(1) online and in-person standards, education, and testing for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by first responders for emergency and disaster management operations;

“(2) uniform communications standards, operational standards, and reporting standards for civilian, military, and international allies and partners; and

“(3) any other relevant standards development related to operation of unmanned aircraft systems, as determined appropriate by the Administrator.

“(c) Coordination.—The Administrator shall ensure that the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinates with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on establishment of ASSUREd Safe, and on any services offered by ASSUREd Safe.”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.”.

SEC. 1008. Cleen Engine and Airframe Technology Partnership.

Section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), by striking “ subsonic” after “ fuels for civil”; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

“(d) Selection.—In carrying out the program, the Administrator may provide that not less than 2 of the cooperative agreements entered into under this section involve the participation of an entity that is a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), provided that the submitted technology proposal of the entity meets, at a minimum, FAA Acquisition Management System requirements and requisite technology readiness levels for entry into the agreement, as determined by the Administrator.”

SEC. 1009. High-Speed Flight Testing.

(a)

In General.— The Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA, shall establish procedures for the exclusive purposes of developmental and airworthiness testing and demonstration flights, which may include the establishment of high-speed testing corridors in the national airspace system—

(1)

with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with supersonic speed, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; and

(2)

with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with hypersonic speed, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

(b)

Areas of Testing and Demonstration.— The Administrator shall take action, as appropriate, to ensure flight testing and demonstration flights occur in areas where such flights will not interfere with the safety of other aircraft or the efficient use of airspace in the national airspace system.

(c)

Considerations.— In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—

(1)

sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(2)

applications for special flight authorizations for flights operating at supersonic or hypersonic speed, as described in section 91.818 of such title;

(3)

the environmental impacts of developmental and airworthiness testing operations;

(4)

requiring applicants to include specification of proposed flight areas;

(5)

the authorization of flights to and from airports in Class D airspace within 10 nautical miles of oceanic coastline;

(6)

developing the vertical limits at or above the altitude necessary for safe supersonic and hypersonic operations;

(7)

proponent-provided data regarding the design and operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data regarding sonic boom overpressures;

(8)

the safety of the uninvolved public; and

(9)

community outreach, education, and engagement.

(d)

Consultation.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders, shall assess and report to the covered committees of Congress on a means for supporting continued compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally funded research and development center, or other independent nonprofit organization that recommends long term solutions for maintaining compliance with such Act for 1 or more over-land or near-land hypersonic and supersonic test areas as established by the Administrator.

(e)

Definitions.— In this section:

(1)

High-speed aircraft.— The term “high-speed aircraft” means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.

(2)

Hypersonic.— The term “hypersonic” means flights operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.

(3)

Supersonic.— The term “supersonic” means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

SEC. 1010. High-Speed Aircraft Pathway to Integration Study.

(a)

Study.—

(1)

In general.— The Administrator, in consultation with aircraft manufacturers and operators, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), the Administrator of NASA, the Secretary of Defense, and any other agencies the Administrator determines appropriate, shall conduct a study assessing actions necessary to facilitate the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the national airspace system.

(2)

Contents.— The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum—

(A)

an initial assessment of cross-agency equities related to high-speed aircraft technologies and flight;

(B)

the identification and collection of data required to develop certification, flight standards, and air traffic requirements for the deployment and integration of high-speed aircraft;

(C)

the development of a framework and potential timeline to establish the appropriate regulatory requirements for conducting high-speed aircraft flights;

(D)

strategic plans to improve the FAA’s state of preparedness and response capability in advance of receiving applications to conduct high-speed aircraft flights; and

(E)

a survey of global high-speed aircraft-related regulatory and testing developments or activities.

(3)

Considerations.— In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Administrator may consider—

(A)

feedback and input reflecting the technical expertise of the aerospace industry and other stakeholders, as the Administrator determines appropriate, to inform future development of policies, regulations, and standards that enable the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the national airspace system;

(B)

opportunities for—

(i)

demonstrating United States global leadership in high-speed aircraft and related technologies; and

(ii)

strengthening global harmonization in aeronautics including in the development of international policies relating to the safe operation of high-speed aircraft; and

(C)

methods and opportunities for community outreach, education, and engagement.

(b)

Report.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations, if appropriate, to facilitate the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the national airspace system.

(c)

Definitions.— In this section:

(1)

High-speed aircraft.— The term “high-speed aircraft” means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.

(2)

Hypersonic.— The term “hypersonic” means flights operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.

(3)

Supersonic.— The term “supersonic” means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

SEC. 1011. Operating High-Speed Flights in High Altitude Class E Airspace.

(a)

Research.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and any other relevant stakeholders the Administrator determines appropriate, including industry and academia, shall undertake research to identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the minimum altitude above the upper boundary of Class A airspace, at or above which flights operating with speeds above Mach 1 generate sonic booms that do not produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures that reach the surface under prevailing atmospheric conditions.

(b)

Hypersonic Defined.— In this section, the term “hypersonic” means a flight operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.

SEC. 1012. Electric Propulsion Aircraft Operations Study.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study assessing the safe and scalable operation and integration of electric aircraft into the national airspace system.

(b)

Contents.— In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall address—

(1)

identification of the workforce technical capacity and competencies needed for the Administrator to certify aircraft systems specific to electric aircraft;

(2)

the data development and collection required to develop standards specific to electric aircraft;

(3)

the regulatory standards and guidance material needed to facilitate the safe operation and maintenance of electric aircraft, including—

(A)

fire protection;

(B)

high voltage electromagnetic environments;

(C)

engine and human machine interfaces;

(D)

reliability of high voltage components and insulation;

(E)

lithium batteries for propulsion use;

(F)

operating and pilot qualifications; and

(G)

airspace integration;

(4)

the airport infrastructure requirements to support electric aircraft operations, including an assessment of—

(A)

the capabilities of airport infrastructure, including, to the extent practicable, the capabilities and capacity of the electrical power grid of the United States to support such operations, including cost, challenges, and opportunities for clean generation of electricity relating to such support, existing as of the date of enactment of this Act;

(B)

aircraft operations specifications;

(C)

projected operations demand by carriers and other operators;

(D)

potential modifications to existing airport infrastructure;

(E)

additional investments in new infrastructure and systems required to meet operations demand;

(F)

management of infrastructure relating to hazardous materials used in hybrid and electric propulsion; and

(G)

ability of such current and future airport infrastructure capabilities to adapt to meet the evolving needs of electric aircraft operations; and

(5)

varying types of electric aircraft, including advanced air mobility aircraft and small or regional passenger or cargo aircraft.

(c)

Considerations.— In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consider the following:

(1)

The potential for improvements to air service connectivity for communities through the deployment of electric aircraft operations, including by—

(A)

establishing routes to small and rural communities; and

(B)

introducing alternative modes of transportation for multimodal operations within communities.

(2)

Impacts to airport-adjacent communities, including implications due to changes in airspace utilization and land use compatibility.

(d)

Report to Congress.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

(e)

Definitions.— In this section:

(1)

Electric aircraft.— The term “electric aircraft” means an aircraft with a fully electric or hybrid electric driven propulsion system used for flight.

(2)

Advanced air mobility.— The term “advanced air mobility” means a transportation system that transports passengers and cargo by air between two points in the United States using aircraft with advanced technologies, including aircraft with hybrid or electric vertical take-off and landing capabilities, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

SEC. 1013. Contract Weather Observers Program.

Section 2306 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

“(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.—The Administrator may not discontinue or diminish the contract weather observer program at any airport until September 30, 2028.”

SEC. 1014. Airfield Pavement Technology Program.

Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 744. RESEARCH AND DEPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGIES.

“Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary may carry out a program for the research and development of airfield pavement technologies under which the Secretary makes grants to, and enters into cooperative agreements with, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and nonprofit organizations that—

“(1) research concrete and asphalt pavement technologies that extend the life of airfield pavements;

“(2) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to improve long-term pavement performance;

“(3) develop and conduct training with respect to such airfield pavement technologies;

“(4) provide for demonstration projects of such airfield pavement technologies; and

“(5) promote the latest airfield pavement technologies to aid the development of safer, more cost effective, and more resilient and sustainable airfield pavements.”

SEC. 1015. Review of Faa Management of Research and Development.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a review of the management of research and development activities of the FAA, and the insight of the Administrator into, and coordination with, other Federal government research and development activities relating to civil aviation.

(b)

Review of FAA Management.— The review of the Comptroller General under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of how the Administrator—

(1)

plans, manages, and tracks progress of research and development projects and activities and how FAA processes and procedures compare with leading practices related to research and development management and collaboration, as determined by the Comptroller General;

(2)

prioritizes research and development objectives;

(3)

applies leading practices related to management of research and development, enhancement of collaboration and cooperation, and minimization of duplication, waste, and inefficiencies, in conducting activities—

(A)

among FAA research and development programs;

(B)

with NASA, including—

(i)

the extent to which NASA and the FAA leverage each other’s laboratory and testing capabilities, facilities, resources, and subject matter expert personnel in support of aeronautics research and development programs and projects;

(ii)

an assessment of—

(I)

the fiscal year in which the review is conducted, and the 3 fiscal years prior to such year, of Federal expenditures and any applicable fluctuation in the appropriated funds, for FAA and NASA research and development programs and projects and the impact of any funding changes on agency programs and projects; and

(II)

the extent to which other Federal agencies, industry partners, and research organizations are involved in such programs and projects; and

(iii)

recommendations, as appropriate, for the improvement of such coordination and collaboration with NASA;

(C)

with other relevant Federal agencies;

(D)

with international partners; and

(E)

with academia, research organizations, standards groups, and industry;

(4)

interacts with the private sector, including by examining the extent to which FAA—

(A)

takes into account private sector research and development efforts in the management and investment of the research and development activities and investments of the FAA; and

(B)

assesses the impact of FAA research and development on U.S. private sector aeronautics research and development investments;

(5)

transitions the results of research and development projects into operational use;

(6)

has implemented the recommendations in the report issued by the Comptroller General titled “Aviation Research and Development” issued April 2017 (GAO report 17–372) and the results of the efforts to implement such recommendations; and

(7)

can improve management of research and development activities and any recommendations as the Comptroller General determines appropriate based on the results of the review.

(c)

Report.— Not later than 180 days after completing the review under required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of Congress—

(1)

a report on such review and relevant findings; and

(2)

recommendations, including the recommendations developed under paragraphs (3)(B)(iii) and (7) of subsection (b).

SEC. 1016. Research and Development of Faa’s Aeronautical Information Systems Modernization Activities.

(a)

In General.— Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in coordination with the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, shall establish a research and development program, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to inform the continuous modernization of the aeronautical information systems of the FAA, including—

(1)

the Aeronautical Information Management Modernization, including the Notice to Air Missions system of the FAA;

(2)

the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing system; and

(3)

the Service Difficulty Reporting System.

(b)

Review and Report.—

(1)

Review.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct and complete a review of planned and ongoing modernization efforts of the aeronautical information systems of the FAA. Such review shall identify opportunities for additional coordination between the Administrator and the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to further modernize such systems.

(2)

Report.— Not later than 1 year after the Administrator enters into the agreement with the center under paragraph (1), the Center shall submit to the Administrator, the covered committees of Congress, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1) and such recommendations as the Center determines appropriate.

SEC. 1017. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment.

(a)

In General.— Chapter 445 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“§ 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment

“(a) In General.—The Administrator shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (in this section referred to as the ‘Center’).

“(b) Responsibilities.—The Center shall—

“(1) focus on research to—

“(A) assist in the development, qualification, and certification of the use of aviation fuel from alternative and renewable sources (such as biomass, next-generation feedstocks, alcohols, organic acids, hydrogen, bioderived chemicals and gaseous carbon) for commercial aircraft;

“(B) assist in informing the safe use of alternative aviation fuels in commercial aircraft that also apply electrified aircraft propulsion systems;

“(C) reduce community exposure to civilian aircraft noise and pollutant emissions;

“(D) inform decision making to support United States leadership on international aviation environmental issues, including the development of domestic and international standards; and

“(E) improve and expand the scientific understanding of civil aviation noise and pollutant emissions and their impacts, as well as support the development of improved modeling approaches and tools;

“(2) examine the use of novel technologies and other forms of innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in commercial aircraft; and

“(3) support collaboration with other Federal agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and other relevant entities to accelerate the research, development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration programs and facilitate United States sustainability and competitiveness in aviation.

“(c) Grant Authority.—The Administrator shall carry out the work of the Center through the use of grants or other measures, as determined appropriate by the Administrator pursuant to section 44513, including through interagency agreements and coordination with other Federal agencies.

“(d) Participation.—

“(1) Participation of educational and research institutions.—In carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (b), the Center shall include, as appropriate, participation by—

“(A) institutions of higher education and research institutions that—

“(i) have existing facilities for research, development, and testing; and

“(ii) leverage private sector partnerships;

“(B) other Federal agencies;

“(C) consortia with experience across the alternative fuels supply chain, including with research, feedstock development and production, small-scale development, testing, and technology evaluation related to the creation, processing, production, and transportation of alternative aviation fuel; and

“(D) consortia with experience in innovative technologies to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in commercial aircraft.

“(2) Use of nasa facilities.—The Center shall, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA, consider using, on a reimbursable basis, the existing and available capacity in aeronautics research facilities at the Langley Research Center, the NASA John H. Glenn Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility, and other appropriate facilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 445 of such title, as amended by section 817, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 44519 the following:

“44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment.”.

SEC. 1018. Next Generation Radio Altimeters.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the aviation and commercial wireless industries, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and other relevant government stakeholders, shall carry out an accelerated research and development program to inform the development and testing of the standards and technology necessary to ensure appropriate FAA certification actions and industry production that meets the installation requirements for next generation radio altimeters across all necessary aircraft by January 1, 2028.

(b)

Grant Program.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator may award grants for the purposes of research and development, testing, and other activities necessary to ensure that next generation radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and installed on necessary aircraft by 2028, including through public-private partnership grants (which shall include protections for necessary intellectual property with respect to any private sector entity testing, certifying, or producing next generation radio altimeters under the program carried out under this section) with industry to ensure the accelerated production and installation by January 1, 2028.

(c)

Review and Report.— Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the steps the Administrator has taken as of the date on which such report is submitted and any actions the Administrator plans to take, including as part of the program carried out under this section, to ensure that next generation radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and installed by 2028.

(d)

Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to efforts to retrofit the existing supply of altimeters in place as of the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1019. Hydrogen Aviation Strategy.

(a)

FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using Hydrogen to Propel Commercial Aircraft.— The Secretary, acting through the Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall exercise leadership in and shall conduct research and development activities relating to enabling the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft.

(b)

Research Strategy.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall complete the development of a research and development strategy on the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(c)

Considerations.— The strategy developed under subsection (b) shall consider the following:

(1)

The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and pathways toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(2)

The use of hydrogen in addition to electric propulsion to propel commercial aircraft and any related operational efficiencies.

(d)

Exercise of Leadership.— The Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy shall carry out the research activities consistent with the strategy in subsection (b), and that may include the following:

(1)

Establishing positions and goals for the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including to propel commercial aircraft.

(2)

Understanding of the qualification of hydrogen aviation fuel, the safe transition to such fuel for aircraft, the advancement of certification efforts for such fuel, and risk mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in aircraft systems, including propulsion and storage systems.

(3)

Through grant, contract, or interagency agreements, carrying out research and development to understand the contribution that the use of hydrogen would have on civil aviation, including hydrogen as an input for conventional jet fuel, hydrogen fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion, sustainable aviation fuel, and power to liquids or synthetic fuel, and researching ways of accelerating the introduction of hydrogen-propelled aircraft.

(4)

Reviewing grant eligibility requirements, loans, loan guarantees, and other policies and requirements of the FAA and the Department of Energy to identify ways to increase the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(5)

Considering the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders in creating policies that enable the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(6)

Coordinating with NASA, and obtaining input from the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and other stakeholders regarding—

(A)

the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including—

(i)

updating or modifying existing policies on such use;

(ii)

assessing barriers to, and benefits of, the introduction of hydrogen in civil aviation, including aircraft propelled by hydrogen;

(iii)

the operational differences between aircraft propelled by hydrogen and aircraft propelled with other types of fuels; and

(iv)

public, economic, and noise benefits of the operation of commercial aircraft propelled by hydrogen and associated aerospace industry activity; and

(B)

other issues identified by the Secretary, the Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the advisory committee established under paragraph (7) that must be addressed in order to enable the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(7)

Establish an advisory committee composed of representatives of NASA, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy on the activities carried out under this subsection.

(e)

International Leadership.— The Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy, in the appropriate international forums, shall take actions that—

(1)

demonstrate global leadership in carrying out the activities required by subsections (a) and (b);

(2)

consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders identified under subsection (b);

(3)

consider the needs of fuel cell manufacturers; and

(4)

seek to advance the competitiveness of the United States in the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.

(f)

Report to Congress.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing—

(1)

the actions of the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy to exercise leadership in conducting research relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation;

(2)

the planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to update or modify existing policies related to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, based on the results of the research and development carried out under this section, including such actions identified as a result of consultation with, and feedback from, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and other stakeholders identified under subsection (b); and

(3)

a proposed timeline for any such actions pursuant to paragraph (2).

SEC. 1020. Aviation Fuel Systems.

(a)

Coordination.— The Secretary, in coordination with the stakeholders identified in subsection (b), shall review, plan, and make recommendations with respect to coordination and implementation issues relating to aircraft powered by new aviation fuels or fuel systems, including at a minimum, the following:

(1)

Research and technical assistance related to the development, certification, operation, and maintenance of aircraft powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems, along with refueling and charging infrastructure and associated technologies critical to their deployment.

(2)

Data sharing with respect to the installation, maintenance, and utilization of charging and refueling infrastructure at airports.

(3)

Development and deployment of training and certification programs for the development, construction, and maintenance of aircraft, related fuel systems, and charging and refueling infrastructure.

(4)

Any other issues that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall deem of interest related to the validation and certification of new fuels for use or fuel systems in aircraft.

(b)

Consultation.— The Secretary shall consult with—

(1)

the Department of Energy;

(2)

NASA;

(3)

the Department of the Air Force; and

(4)

other Federal agencies, as determined by the Secretary.

(c)

Prohibition on Duplication.— The Secretary shall ensure that activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal programs or efforts.

(d)

Savings Clause.— Nothing in this section shall be construed as granting the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority to establish alternative fuel emissions standards.

(e)

Briefing.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the covered committees of Congress a briefing on the results of the review of coordination efforts conducted under this section.

SEC. 1021. Air Traffic Surveillance Over United States Controlled Oceanic Airspace and Other Remote Locations.

(a)

Persistent Aviation Surveillance Over Oceans and Remote Locations.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out research, development, demonstration, and testing to enable civil aviation surveillance over oceans and other remote locations to improve safety.

(b)

Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section.

(c)

Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, in coordination with other Federal agencies.

SEC. 1022. Aviation Weather Technology Review.

(a)

Review.— The Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall conduct a review of current and planned research, modeling, and technology capabilities that have the potential to—

(1)

more accurately detect and predict weather impacts to aviation;

(2)

inform how advanced predictive models can enhance aviation operations; and

(3)

increase national airspace system safety and efficiency.

(b)

Consideration.— The review required under subsection (a) shall include consideration of the unique impacts of weather on unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code) and advanced air mobility operations.

(c)

Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under subsection (a).

(d)

Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

SEC. 1023. Air Traffic Surface Operations Safety.

(a)

Research.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other appropriate Federal agencies, shall continue to carry out research and development activities relating to technologies and operations to enhance air traffic surface operations safety.

(b)

Requirements.— In carrying out the research and development under subsection (a) shall examine the following:

(1)

Methods and technologies to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic control operations related to air traffic surface operations.

(2)

Emerging technologies installed in aircraft cockpits to enhance ground situational awareness, including enhancements to the operational performance of runway traffic alerting and runway landing safety technologies.

(3)

Safety enhancements and adjustments to air traffic surface operations to account for and enable safe operations of advanced aviation technology.

(c)

Report.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the research and development activities carried out under this section, including regarding the transition into operational use of such activities.

SEC. 1024. Technology Review of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technologies.

(a)

Review.— The Administrator shall conduct a review of current and planned artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to improve airport efficiency and safety.

(b)

Considerations.— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the Administrator may consider—

(1)

identifying best practices and lessons learned from both domestic and international artificial intelligence and machine learning technology applications to improve airport operations; and

(2)

coordinating with other relevant Federal agencies to identify China’s domestic application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies relating to airport operations.

(c)

Summaries.— The review conducted under subsection (a) shall include examination of the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to the following:

(1)

Jet bridges.

(2)

Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.

(3)

Aircraft taxi.

(4)

Air traffic control operations.

(5)

Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary to help improve airport efficiency and safety.

(d)

SEC. 1025. Research Plan for Commercial Supersonic Research.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and industry, shall provide to the covered committees of Congress a briefing on any plans to build on existing research and development activities and identify any further research and development needed to inform the development of Federal and international policies, regulations, standards, and recommended practices relating to the certification and safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.

(b)

Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to duplicate existing research and development efforts conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA.

(c)

Supersonic Defined.— In this section, the term “supersonic” means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

SEC. 1026. Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Development.

(a)

In General.— The Administrator, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, shall conduct research, engineering, and development related to the effective and efficient use and management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain, including for aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced air mobility.

(b)

Contents.— The research, engineering, and development conducted under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, address the following:

(1)

How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency spectrum adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication, navigation, and surveillance may impact the safety of civil aviation.

(2)

The effectiveness of measures to identify risks, protect, and mitigate against spectrum interference in frequency bands used in civil aviation operations to ensure public safety.

(3)

The identification of any emerging civil aviation systems and their anticipated spectrum requirements.

(4)

The implications of paragraphs (1) through (3) on existing civil aviation systems that use radio frequency spectrum, including on the operational specifications of such systems, as it relates to existing and to future radio frequency spectrum requirements for civil aviation.

(c)

Report.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report containing the results of the research, engineering, and development conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 1027. Research Plan on the Remote Tower Program.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a comprehensive plan for research, development, testing, and evaluation needed to further mature remote tower technologies and systems and related requirements and provide a strategic roadmap to support deployment of such technologies.

(b)

Considerations.— In developing the plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—

(1)

how remote tower systems could enhance certain air traffic services, including providing additional air traffic support to existing air traffic control tower operations and providing air traffic support at airports without a manned air traffic control tower;

(2)

the validation and certification timeline and structure of the FAA;

(3)

existing remote tower technologies to the extent possible to inform technology maturation and improvements;

(4)

new and developing remote tower technologies and the extent to which remote tower systems enable the introduction of advanced technological capabilities; and

(5)

collaborating with the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.

(c)

Savings Clause.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise delay testing, validating, certifying, or deploying remote tower technologies conducted under section 47124 title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 1028. Air Traffic Control Training.

(a)

Research.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall carry out a research program to evaluate opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training and training time for individuals seeking to become certified professional controllers of the FAA, as required by the Administrator.

(b)

Requirements.— In carrying out the research program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1)

assess the benefits of deploying and using advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, adaptive computer-based simulation, virtual reality, or augmented reality, or any other technology determined appropriate by the Administrator, to enhance air traffic controller knowledge retention and controller performance, strengthen safety, and improve the effectiveness of training time; and

(2)

include collaboration with labor organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, and other stakeholders.

(c)

Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the findings of the research under subsection (a).

(d)

Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to delay the installation of tower simulation systems by the Administrator at FAA air traffic facilities across the national airspace system.

SEC. 1029. Report on Aviation Cybersecurity Directives.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the status of the implementation by the Administrator of the framework developed under section 2111 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–190; 49 U.S.C. 44903 note).

(b)

Contents.— The report, at a minimum, shall include the following:

(1)

A description of the progress of the Administrator in developing, implementing, and updating such framework.

(2)

An overview of completed research and development projects to date and a description of remaining research and development activities prioritized for the most needed improvements, with target dates, to safeguard the national airspace system.

(3)

An explanation for any delays or challenges in so implementing such section.

SEC. 1030. Turbulence Research and Development.

(a)

In General.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the Administrator of NASA, shall carry out applied research and development to—

(1)

enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and

(2)

inform the development of measures to mitigate safety impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from severe turbulence.

(b)

Research and Development Activities.— In carrying out the research and development under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1)

establish processes and procedures for comprehensive and systematic data collection, through both instrumentation and pilot reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence;

(2)

establish measures for storing and managing such data collection;

(3)

support measures for monitoring and characterizing incidents of severe turbulence;

(4)

consider relevant existing research and development from other entities, including Federal departments and agencies, academia, and the private sector; and

(5)

carry out research and development—

(A)

to understand the impacts of relevant factors on the nature of turbulence, including severe turbulence and clear-air turbulence;

(B)

to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight planning and execution, seasonal predictions for schedule and route-planning, and long-term projections of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and

(C)

on other subject matters areas related to severe turbulence, as determined by the Administrator; and

(6)

support the effective transition of the results of research and development to operations, in cases in which such transition is appropriate.

(c)

Duplicative Research and Development Activities.— The Administrator shall ensure that research and development activities under this section do not duplicate other Federal programs relating to turbulence.

(d)

Turbulence Data.—

(1)

Commercial providers.— In carrying out the research and development under subsection (a) and the activities described in subsection (b), the Administrator may enter into agreements with commercial providers for the following:

(A)

The purchase of turbulence data.

(B)

The placement on aircraft of instruments relevant to understanding and monitoring turbulence.

(2)

Data access.— The Administrator shall make the data collected under subsection (b) widely available and accessible to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities, including the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to the greatest extent practicable and in accordance with FAA data management policies.

(e)

Report on Turbulence Research.— Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report that—

(1)

details the activities conducted under this section, including how the requirements of subsection (b) have contributed to the goals described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a);

(2)

assesses the current state of scientific understanding of the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected future trends in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence;

(3)

describes the processes and procedures for collecting, storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);

(4)

assesses—

(A)

the use of commercial providers pursuant to subsection (d)(1); and

(B)

the need for any future Federal Government collection or procurement of data and instruments related to turbulence, including an assessment of costs;

(5)

describes how such data will be made available to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and

(6)

identifies future research and development needed to inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate the safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence.

SEC. 1031. Rule of Construction Regarding Collaborations.

Nothing in this title may be construed as modifying or limiting existing collaborations, or limiting potential engagement on future collaborations, between the Administrator, stakeholders, and labor organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, pertaining to FAA research, engineering, development, demonstration, and testing activities.

SEC. 1032. Limitation.

(a)

Prohibited Activities.— None of the funds authorized in this title may be used to conduct research, develop, design, plan, promulgate, implement, or execute a policy, program, order, or contract of any kind with the Chinese Communist Party or any entity that is domiciled in China or under the influence of China unless such activities are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.

(b)

Exemption.— The Administrator is exempt from the prohibitions under subsection (a) if the prohibited activities are executed for the purposes of testing, research, evaluating, analyzing, or training related to—

(1)

counter-unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation systems, including activities conducted—

(A)

under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the FAA; or

(B)

by the test ranges designated under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code;

(2)

the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the national airspace system or maintenance of public safety;

(3)

the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies into the national airspace system, including activities carried out by the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the FAA;

(4)

in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, determining security threats of unmanned aircraft systems; and

(5)

intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations.

(c)

Waivers.—

(1)

Public interest determination.— The Administrator may waive any prohibitions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Administrator determines that activities described in subsection (a) are in the public interest.

(2)

Notification.— If the Administrator provides a waiver under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall notify the covered committees of Congress in writing not later than 15 days after exercising such waiver.

Subtitle B Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

SEC. 1041. Definitions.

In this subtitle:

(1)

Advanced air mobility.— The term “advanced air mobility” means a transportation system that is comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft.

(2)

Interagency working group.— The term “interagency working group” means the advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems interagency working group of the National Science and Technology Council established under section 1042.

(3)

Labor organization.— The term “labor organization” has the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), except that such term shall also include—

(A)

any organization composed of labor organizations, such as a labor union federation or a State or municipal labor body; and

(B)

any organization which would be included in the definition for such term under such section 2(5) but for the fact that the organization represents—

(i)

individuals employed by the United States, any wholly owned Government corporation, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any State or political subdivision thereof;

(ii)

individuals employed by persons subject to the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); or

(iii)

individuals employed as agricultural laborers.

(4)

National laboratory.— The term “National Laboratory” has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).

(5)

Technical standard.— The term “technical standard” has the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

(6)

Unmanned aircraft system.— The term “unmanned aircraft system” has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 1042. Interagency Working Group.

(a)

Designation.—

(1)

In general.— The National Science and Technology Council shall establish or designate an interagency working group on advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems to coordinate Federal research, development, deployment, testing, and education activities to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems.

(2)

Membership.— The interagency working group shall be comprised of senior representatives from NASA, the Department of Transportation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Homeland Security, and such other Federal agencies as appropriate.

(b)

Duties.— The interagency working group shall—

(1)

develop a strategic research plan to guide Federal research to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems and oversee implementation of the plan;

(2)

oversee the development of—

(A)

an assessment of the current state of United States competitiveness and leadership in advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems, including the scope and scale of United States investments in relevant research and development; and

(B)

strategies to strengthen and secure the domestic supply chain for advanced air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft systems;

(3)

facilitate communication and outreach opportunities with academia, industry, professional societies, State, local, Tribal, and Federal governments, and other stakeholders;

(4)

facilitate partnerships to leverage knowledge and resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal governments, National Laboratories, unmanned aircraft systems test range (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code), academic institutions, and others;

(5)

coordinate with the advanced air mobility working group established under section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117–203) and heads of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication of research and other activities to ensure that the activities carried out by the interagency working group are complementary to those being undertaken by other interagency efforts; and

(6)

coordinate with the National Security Council and other authorized agency coordinating bodies on the assessment of risks affecting the existing Federal unmanned aircraft systems fleet and outlining potential steps to mitigate such risks.

(c)

Report to Congress.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 2028, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress a report that includes a summary of federally funded advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research, development, deployment, and testing activities, including the budget for each of the activities described in this paragraph.

(d)

Rule of Construction.— The interagency working group shall not be construed to conflict with or duplicate the work of the interagency working group established under the advanced air mobility working group established by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117–203).

SEC. 1043. Strategic Research Plan.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall develop and periodically update, as appropriate, a strategic plan for Federal research, development, deployment, and testing of advanced air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft systems.

(b)

Considerations.— In developing the plan required under subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consider and use—

(1)

information, reports, and studies on advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems that have identified research, development, deployment, and testing needed;

(2)

information set forth in the national aviation research plan developed under section 44501(c) of title 49, United States Code; and

(3)

recommendations made by the National Academies in the review of the plan under subsection (d).

(c)

Contents of the Plan.— In developing the plan required under subsection (a), the interagency working group shall—

(1)

determine and prioritize areas of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, and testing requiring Federal Government leadership and investment;

(2)

establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the calendar year the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities for Federal research, development, and testing which will—

(A)

support the development of advanced air mobility technologies and the development of an advanced air mobility research, innovation, and manufacturing ecosystem;

(B)

take into account sustained, consistent, and coordinated support for advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research, development, and demonstration, including through grants, cooperative agreements, testbeds, and testing facilities;

(C)

apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, and testing to advanced air mobility systems;

(D)

inform the development of voluntary consensus technical standards and best practices for the development and use of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems;

(E)

support education and training activities at all levels to prepare the United States workforce to use and interact with advanced air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft systems;

(F)

support partnerships to leverage knowledge and resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal governments, the National Laboratories, Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research of the FAA, unmanned aircraft systems test ranges (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code), academic institutions, labor organizations, and others to advance research activities;

(G)

leverage existing Federal investments; and

(H)

promote hardware interoperability and open-source systems;

(3)

support research and other activities on the impacts of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems on national security, safety, economic, legal, workforce, and other appropriate societal issues;

(4)

reduce barriers to transferring research findings, capabilities, and new technologies related to advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into operation for the benefit of society and United States competitiveness;

(5)

in consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers, measure and track the contributions of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility to United States economic growth and other societal indicators; and

(6)

identify relevant research and development programs and make recommendations for the coordination of relevant activities of the Federal agencies and set forth the role of each Federal agency in implementing the plan.

(d)

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Evaluation.— The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to review the plan every 5 years.

(e)

Public Participation.— In developing the plan under subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consult with representatives of stakeholder groups, which may include academia, research institutions, and State, industry, and labor organizations. Not later than 90 days before the plan, or any revision thereof, is submitted to Congress, the plan shall be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of not less than 60 days.

(f)

Reports to Congress on the Strategic Research Plan.—

(1)

Progress report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group described in section 1042 of this Act shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress a report that describes the progress in developing the plan required under this section.

(2)

Initial report.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress the strategic research plan developed under this section.

(3)

Biennial report.— Not later than 1 year after the transmission of the initial report under paragraph (2) and every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 2033, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress a report that includes an analysis of the progress made towards achieving the goals and priorities for the strategic research plan.

SEC. 1044. Federal Aviation Administration Unmanned Aircraft System and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development.

(a)

In General.— Consistent with the research plan in section 1043, the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of NASA and other Federal agencies, shall carry out and support research, development, testing, and demonstration activities and technology transfer, and activities to facilitate the transition of such technologies into application to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe integration of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system, in areas including—

(1)

beyond visual-line-of-sight operations;

(2)

command and control link technologies;

(3)

development and integration of unmanned aircraft system traffic management into the national airspace system;

(4)

noise and other societal and environmental impacts;

(5)

informing the development of an industry consensus vehicle-to-vehicle standard;

(6)

safety, including collisions between advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes, traveling at various speeds, and various other crewed aircraft or various parts of other crewed aircraft of various sizes and traveling at various speeds; and

(7)

detect-and-avoid capabilities.

(b)

Duplicative Research and Development Activities.— The Administrator shall ensure that research and development and other activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal activities related to the integration of unmanned aviation systems or advanced air mobility.

(c)

Lessons Learned.— The Administrator shall apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, and testing to advanced air mobility systems.

(d)

Research on Approaches to Evaluating Risk.— The Administrator shall conduct research on approaches to evaluating risk in emerging vehicles, technologies, and operations for unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility systems. Such research shall include—

(1)

defining quantitative metrics, including metrics that may support the Administrator in making determinations, and research to inform the development of requirements, as practicable, for the operations of certain unmanned aircraft systems, as described under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code;

(2)

developing risk-based processes and criteria to inform the development of regulations and certification of complex operations, to include autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, of unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes and weights, and advanced air mobility systems; and

(3)

considering the utility of performance standards to make determinations under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code.

(e)

Report.— Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report on the actions taken by the Administrator to implement provisions under this section that includes—

(1)

a summary of the costs and results of research under subsection (a)(6);

(2)

a description of plans for and progress toward the implementation of research and development under subsection (d);

(3)

a description of the progress of the FAA in using research and development to inform FAA certification guidance and regulations of—

(A)

large unmanned aircraft systems, including those weighing more than 55 pounds; and

(B)

extended autonomous and remotely piloted operations beyond visual line of sight in controlled and uncontrolled airspace; and

(4)

a current plan for full operational capability of unmanned aircraft systems traffic management, as described in section 376 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note).

(f)

Parallel Efforts.—

(1)

In general.— Research and development activities under this section may be conducted concurrently with the deployment of technologies outlined in (a) and in carrying out the this title and title IX.

(2)

Rule of construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to delay appropriate actions to deploy the technologies outlined in subsection (a), including the deployment of beyond visual-line-of-sight operations of unmanned aircraft systems, or delay the Administrator in carrying out this title and title IX, or limit FAA use of existing risk methodologies to make determinations pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, prior to completion of relevant research and development activities.

(3)

Practices and regulations.— The Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use the results of research and development activities conducted under this section to inform decisions on whether and how to maintain or update existing regulations and practices, or whether to establish new practices or regulations.

SEC. 1045. Partnerships for Research, Development, Demonstration, and Testing.

(a)

Study.— The Administrator shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to examine research, development, demonstration, and testing partnerships of the FAA to advance unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility and to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.

(b)

Considerations.— The Administrator shall ensure that the entity carrying out the study in subsection (a) shall—

(1)

identify existing FAA partnerships with external entities, including academia and Centers of Excellence, industry, and nonprofit organizations, and the types of such partnership arrangements;

(2)

examine the partnerships in paragraph (1), including the scope and areas of research, development, demonstration, and testing carried out, and associated arrangements for performing research and development activities;

(3)

review the extent to which the FAA uses the results and outcomes of each partnership to advance the research and development in unmanned aircraft systems;

(4)

identify additional research and development areas, if any, that may benefit from partnership arrangements, and whether such research and development would require new partnerships;

(5)

identify any duplication of ongoing or planned research, development, demonstration, or testing activities;

(6)

identify effective and appropriate means for publication and dissemination of the results and sharing with the public, commercial, and research communities related data from such research, development, demonstration, and testing conducted under such partnerships;

(7)

identify effective mechanisms, either new or already existing, to facilitate coordination, evaluation, and information-sharing among and between such partnerships;

(8)

identify effective and appropriate means for facilitating technology transfer activities within such partnerships;

(9)

identify the extent to which such partnerships broaden participation from groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science and cybersecurity, and include participation by industry, workforce, and labor organizations; and

(10)

review options for funding models best suited for such partnerships, which may include cost-sharing and public-private partnership models with industry.

(c)

Transmittal.— Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress the study described in subsection (a).